Motorcycle and the like



Jan. 16, 1940. T. P. JUDD I MOTORCYCLE AND THE LIKE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed D60. 18. 1936 INVENT OR. Has/v02 PJQDD ATTORNEY.

Jan. 16, 1940. T. P. JUDD 2,187,238

i v MOTORCYCLE AND- THE LIKE Filed Dec. 18,, 1936 3 Sheets-Shaet 2 INVENTOR. 772 ENOE 1. Juan BY MMQM ATTORNEY. I

Patented Jan. 16, 1940 I Trenor P. Judd, Cairo, Ill. v t Application December 18,1936, seriaint.116,452'

1o Claims. (01, 180-40) Myinvention consists: of an improved construction of motorcycles andthe like, by which 1 and durable. v 1 More specifically, the frame of my machine the frame is'built in a manner to yieldvertically under load or road.impacts, to cushion the rider and also the. parts of therhachine, to any desfireddegree, without the use of additional springs and without in any way sacrificing lateralstabilityand strength of theframe. By my constructioIrI amable to. materiallysimplify and cheapen the, manufacture of the structure, at the same:

time producing a machine that is effective, strong consists of upper spring members spaced laterally from each other and. connectedat their ends with thehead of the frame and with verticaland laterally spaced rear members of the, frame, said spring members; preferably comprising fiat springsof such cross section as to serve as upper compression members, ofthe frame and alsozas vertically yieldable members by which the cush ioning referred -to..is secured; the seat of the machine being carried bywthe. mid-portions of said springs.

The frame further consists of lower andlaterallyspaced member portions extendingldownwardly andrearwardly from the headtand pivotally connected at their rear ends may move relatively toeachotlier on said pivotal below said seat, with the frontends of lower and laterally spacedhorizontalmember portions ex-. 30

tendingrearwardly and rigidly connected with thelower'ends' of saidverticahmembers. [As a result, the lower member portions of the frame connections for verticaldefiectionof said;.spring members, and so avoid developing strains in the frame dueto said deflection. To stabilize the v 1 support of said seat, I prefer to connect said sup port with a downwardlyextending tubular memher in which a rod extending upwardly from said pivotal ccnnections, ptelescopes with a sliding fit. When usedwith' a motorcycle,Ipreferably p fbvide my machine. with an engine supporting frame, comp-rising laterally spaced horizontally extending members pivotally eonnected at their bershand said horizontal member portions, and

. entendingforwardly. above saidhorizontal 1r1ernbenportions, to substantiallyksaid tubular. memher, where they are connected with said tubular 1 member by llinksttol permit adjustment of the main frame and its spring members and compensate for angularity of saidengine supporting frame, and so prevent the development in any of said parts of strains due .todefiection of said springmembers...Theengine supporting. frame is 4 4 e v Fig. is a plan View of the head and attached I. p t n frame,

thussuspended from said spring members and effectively cushioned thereby against roadshocks. The above and other novel, features of my invention more fully appear in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating a preferred embodiment thereof, in which Fig. 1 shows rny machine inside elevation, Fig. 2 is a plan view of the structure shown in Fig. 1, t

h Fig; 3, is a vertica l, sectional view to an en-. 19; large'd scale of apart of the structure shown yin'Fig. 1, taken along the line 3 3,

Fig. 4 isalhorizontal sectional View of the structure shownin Fig. 3, taken along the line springs removed from the fork structure of the vehicle, thisview being taken along the line as in Fina,

Fig. 6 is avertical, sectional View to an enlarged scale of, the lower and. forward part of the mainframe shown in Fig. 1,.taken along the 'Fig. 7 is .avertical, sectional view to an enlarged scale) of a partof. the structure shown in Q5 Fig. 1, takenalong the line 11,

Fig. 8 is a horizontal, sectional view to an enlarged scale,v of a part of the structure shown inFig. 1, taken along the line 88, v

. Fig. 9shows in side elevation to an enlarged I0 .scale, the. junction ofone of the lower, horizontal 1 frame member portions with the corresponding vertical framemember, and the pivotal connece tion thereto of one of members of theengine sup: l

. i Fig. 10 is a horizontal, sectional view to an enlarged scale, of a part ofthe structure shown in Fig. 1, taken along the line Ill- 10,

Fig. 11 shows in plan View and to an enlarged scale, the connecting mechanism employed between the upper ends of the vertical frame members and the'rear ends of the spring members shown in Fig. 1, this View being taken along the line I l- H rear endswith the junctions of saidyvertical mem in Fig. 1, and

Fig. 12 is avertical, sectional view to an en chine consists of upper and horizontally disposed spring members I 0, preferably of flat spring steel, which, as shown in. Fig. 2 are laterally spaced from each other, which are pivotally connected at their front ends at H, with the framefhead i2 of the machine. Lower and laterally spaced frame members include front portions I3 which are rigidly secured'to the head i2 and extend downwardly and rearwardlytherefrom and at their rear ends are pivotally connected at I4 with the front ends of rear portions I5 of said lower frame members. The rear ends of the member portions I5 are rigidly secured to connection -the springs II] at 2|. -As shown in Fig. 11, the

front endsof the'screws 20 are rigidly secured to across bar 22 which in turn is rigidly secured to thepivot studs 2| to afford stable lateral support for the rear ends of the springs IEL; As shown in Fig. 6, the frame portions I3 sup: port a plate 23 of sheet metal secured to said frame portions I3 in any desired ,manner, for example, by. riveting, brazing, welding or equivalent means, said plate being provided with a rolled edge flange 23a to stiffen said plate and retain the feet of the rider thereon. The plate 23 constitutes a reinforcing member for the frame portions I3, and also a platform 'tosupport the feet of the rider. In Fig. 6 there is also shown, a' lateral strut" 24 between the frame portions I3 and rigidly secured thereto, for example, by brazing or welding, there being another of said struts between said members and similarly connected thereto, as indicated at 24a in Fig. 1.

As shown in'Fig. '7, the springs II) have secured to their mid-portions, a sheet metal plate 25, by bolts 26 and clips 21. The mid-portion of. the plate has rigidly secured thereto and extending downwardly therefrom, a tubular member 28, the bore of which" is continued through the plate 25, to receive the post 29 of the seat Bil-shown in Fig. 1, said post as shown inFig. .7 having an expanding device 29a at its lower end to rigidly secure said post in said tubular member 28 in any desired position.

As shownin Fig. '7, a lower tubular member or rod 3| telescopes into the lower end of the tubular member 28 with a sliding fit, which member 3| is rigidly secured at its lower end to the pivot studs I4 (Figs. 1 and 8), to afford stable support laterally for the seat post 29, and at the same time to permit the seat 30 and mid-portions of the springs ID to move freely vertically relatively to the pivot studs I4, to support the weight of the rider and to cushion road impacts that may be exerted on thehead I2 and onv the connection members IE (Fig. 1). shown in Fig. 12, thetubular member 28 is provided with an adjustable air vent 28a, constituting the structure a shock absorber.

As shown in Fig.8, the adjacent overlapping ends of the frame portions I3 and I5 are flattened and engage each other, said flattened ends having apertures therethrough to receive the pivot studs I4 with a sliding fit, which studs are secured to a cross bar 32 to the mid-portion of whichthe lower end of the member 3| is rigidly secured. In Fig. 8 there is also shown a cross bar or tube 33 rigidly connecting the front portions of i the frame portions I5 to brace the same 1aterally.'

Asindicated in Fig; 1, a similar cross bar or tube 33a is similarly connected to the frame portions .15 just in front of the wheel II.

As shown in Fig. 9, the connection member I6 As more clearly.

has secured thereto one end portion of a shaft 34 extending through the rear wheel H, the other end portion of said shaft being similarly conneoted with the similar connection member on the other side of the machine, to support the frame on said wheel I1 and permit free rotary movement of said wheel.

Asshown in Fig. 1, a sheet metal mud-guard 35 extends around and spaced from the wheel H, from the rear cross bar 33a. to and beyond the connection member I9, to which crossbar and connection member it is rigidly secured, said mud-guard being of a width substantially equal to the space between the frame portions I5, and of sufficient thickness to substantially reinforce the frame portions I5 and the frame members I8 and hold them rigidly in the position relatively to each other illustrated in the drawings. The rear end of the mud-guard 35 is pivotally connected at 36 with the upper endof a movable mud-guard 31 extending in its lower position to engage the road surface, to constitute a supporting stand for the machine, the lower end portion of the section 31 being preferably curved as indicated at 31a in Fig. 1 to afford ample supporting surface ,for said stand, said lower end portion 31a, as shown in Fig. 2, being preferably substantially wider than the upper portion of the mud-guard 31, to impart substantial lateral stability to the stand. A bracing rod 38 is connected at its upper end to each end of the pivot 36, (Fig. 1) ,the lower end of said rod being connected to the "corresponding connection member I6, (Figs. 1 and 9). As shown in Fig. 1, the stand member 31 is pivotally connected at 39 with therear endof an operating rod 43 which extends forwardly to be within reach of the rider, which rod 40 is provided with a downwardly extending retaining plate 4| above the shaft 34, having notches Ma and 4 II) for engaging the end portion of the shaft 34 which is extended for that purpose, so that when the notch M1) is in engagement" with the shaft 34 as shown in Fig. 1, the stand member 31 is in its lower position to support the machine in upright position from the road surface, and

when the notch 4Ia is in engagement with said shaft, the stand member 3! is raised to clear the road for riding purposes. A spring 42 is 'supported between the stand member 3I and the rod 40, to press the plate 4I downwardly as far as the one of the notches Ma and 4Ib engagi'ng the shaft 34 will permit, to hold the stand member 31 untilit is desired to shift said stand member to its alternate position, which is done by raising .the rod 48 against the action of the spring 42,

and then'moving said rod longitudinally.

, As shown in Fig. l, the head I2 of the frame engages a fork head 43 from which fork springs 44 preferably Of flat spring steel, extend downwardly for connection at their lower ends with the end portions of a shaft'45 extending through the front wheel 4% of the'machine, upon which shaft said front wheel is freely rotatable,

As shown in Fig. 3, the fork head 43 consists of upper and lower transverse members 43a and 43b connected by integral vertical members 436 and 43d of angular cross section, said fork head, as well as the frame head and connection mem-. bers described, being preferably metal castings, forgings or stampings. The transverse members 43a and 4317 are provided at their mid-portions,

with bosses 436 and 43 extending towards each other and engaging with a sliding fit the upper and lower surfaces of the frame head I2.

through itst frontportion, with 'afvertical tube l2a..of;vrnetal adapted to withstandwear, for ex.-

] ample,*steel or bronze, which isa tightfitiin a bore therefor in said head and extends fromwthe top to-the bbttomsurfacethereof. As shown. in Fig. 4, inthe, assembled machine, a tube 41' of suitable metal; .for example, steel, extends with afree turning fit: through the tube 12a, and also ccnnectionbetweenthe fork. head. 143 and the frame head; I2- is thus effected for steeringl purposes, the connection being of. sufficient strength to carry thelcad on the machine and to'jwithstand all road shocks to which the front wheel 46 isordinarily subjected in use. l

, As shown in Fig.1 4, the fork sprin'gszfl extend,

upwardly through the lower transverse fork member 4327 andinto the angles in the vertical fork members43c and 43d, saidysprings preferably extending asshown in Fig; '3, so that their upper ends rest against the. lowertsurface of the transverse fork member 43a, in which position the upper, portions of i said springs are rigidly" secured by bolts 48 extending through said springs and through the vertical forkmembers 43c and 43d.

As shown in; Figs. 1and'2, themachine'is provided with handle bars, :for steering purposes,

from which a central. vertical tube 50. (Fig. 11), extends downwardly with a sliding fit into the fork tube 411, said. tube 50 being preferably providedv at its lower end with a suitable expanding device similar to that shown for the seat post 29,

to tightly secure the handle bars .fl to tube 41 in any desired adjustment.

As shown in-Figs. 1 and I 2, the lower transverse member of. the fork head 43, has pivotally connected. with itsfrontredge at the rearend of a first and forwardly extending mud-guard section .52 above the wheel 46., and the upper end of a: second andwdownwardly extending 'mudguardzsection 53 back. of thewheel 46, is similarly pivotally connectedto the rear edge ofsaid transversefork'member at 54.? Each end of the shaft adjacent the lower end of the. corresponding fork spring 44, has rigidly secured thereto, a metal disk 55, each of: which disks asseen for the one; thereof shown in Fig. Lfhas pivotally secured thereto at 56 and 51, one endof eachof the bracing rods .58 and. 59,-thectherfends of the fork which rods are pivotally connected at 60 and 6l with themud-guard, sections 52 and 53-":respectively. The mud-guard sections52and 153 are preferably provided with rolled reinforcing edges, and. made of sheet'steel oflsufiicient thickness to prevent twistingrof thezwheel 46 relatively to the fork head 43, withoutin any way interfering with deflection of the springs 44 in carrying the load on the machine, or cushioning road. shocks exerted on the wheel'46. The structure thus far described; may be used effectively with. anytype of two-wheeled vehicle inwhich the wheelsare in the sameplane for straight-away movement; regardless of. whether i it is to be drivenby foot power, orby an engine.

The parts described; as a result of theirdisposition and relation tofeach other, constitute a, frame which is flexible and; resilient vertically at its 'mid-portiombut which is at the-same time strong and rigid,laterally longitudinally and torsionally,

which flameis effectively supportedonthewheels cally relatively toothe frame with a degree of readiness determined by the stiffness of the fork tion permitting the front wheel to vibratevertisprings Said. structure also provides a front fork I construction which, although resilient as. described, is laterally and torsionally stiff and insures satisfactory functioning of the structure in When the structure described is to be driven by an engine, I prefer to support theengine illustrated at 62 in Fig. 1, on an engine supporting frame consisting of laterally spaced horizontal members 63, each pivotally mounted at its rear end on the corresponding end portion of the shaft 34. Theframe members 63 are rigidly connected with each other by cross members 64 and 64a, to impart rigidity to the engine supporting frame. The front ends of'the members 63 have rigidly secured to them, a bracket65 supporting a fuel tank Gfifithe rear portion of which is divided to span the tubular member 28, the rear portionof the bottom of the tank having rigidly attached thereto, clamps 61 by which the tank is connected to the front end portions of the frame members 63. The engine 52 is secured to the frame mem bers 63 by clamps 68 attached to the base of the engine; A chain 69 extends from the engine to the rear wheel H to drive the latter. Blocks [0 are mounted on the frame members 63 in front of and resting, against the cross member 64a, said blocks having adjusting screws 1| extending for wardly from them into engagement with therear clamps 68, by which screws the engine may be moved forwardly on the frame members 63 from time to time, to take up wear onthe chain 69. Asshown in Fig. 7,.the lower end of the tubular member 28 extends into a connecting member 12 to which it isrigidly secured," The member 12 has extending laterally therefrom, opposite bosses 13, T3, to which the upper ends of links 14, 14, are

'pivotally connected at l5,- 15,the lower ends of engine 62 andthe tank 66.

The member portions l3 and I5, and the members I8, ZB' and 63 and the cross members or struts 24,24a, 33, 33a, 64 and 640. are preferably made of steel tubesand the parts are securedtogether, unless otherwise described, preferably by brazing or welding. l

to construct, and at the same time is strong and effective in use, besides affording a high degree of. comfort and protection against road shock. Additionaldevices commonly used on vehicles of the kinddescribed, such as brakes, starting devices, engine controlling devices, as well as accessori es of various kinds, are not shown or described, since they are Well known and are of standard construction of various makes, andmay beincorporated in the structure described, to

suit the-preference of the individual manufacturer.

While Lhave shown my invention in the particular embodiment above described,v it will be understood thatI do not limit myself thereto, as

I may employ equivalents of the parts described without. departing from the scope of the appended claims.

- 'fl The structure described is simple and cheap horizontal lower members and vertical members rigidly secured at their lower ends to the rear ends of said horizontal lower members respectively, a front main-frame portion including a frame head and members rigidly secured thereto and extending downwardly and rearwardly and pivotally connected at their rear ends with the front .ends of said horizontal lower members, horizontal and longitudinally extending spring members connecting the upper ends of said. vertical members with said frame head, a tubular member secured to the mid-portions of said spring members and extending downwardly and towards said pivotal connections, a rod extending upwardly from said pivotal connections and into the lower end of said tubular member with a sliding fit, a front fork having an upper fork member extending vertically through said head for turning movement therein, front and rear wheels pivotally connected respectively with said front fork and said rear main-frame portion, a

7 seat supported by said spring members, and a steering handle secured to the upper member of said front fork.

2, In a vehicle of the class described, the combination of a rear main-frame portion'including horizontal lower members and vertical members rigidly secured at their lower ends to the rear ends of said horizontal lower members respectively,,a front main-frame portion including a frame head and members rigidly secured thereto and extending downwardly and rearwardly and pivotally connected at their rear ends with the front ends of said horizontal lower members, horizontal and longitudinally extending spring members connecting the upper ends of said vertical members with said frame head, a tubular member secured to the mid-portions of said spring members and extending downwardly and towards said pivotal connections, a rod extending upwardlyfrom said pivotal connections and into the lower end of said tubular member with a sliding fit, a front fork having an upper fork member extending vertically through said head for turning movement therein, front and rear wheels pivotally connected respectively with said I lower horizontal members, and a link pivotally connecting the front end of said engine frame with the lower portion of said tubular member.

3. In a vehicle of the class described, the combination of a rear main-frame portion including horizontal lower members and vertical members rigidly secured at their lower ends to the rear ends of said horizontal lower members respectively, a front main-frame portion including a frame head and members rigidly secured thereto and extending downwardly and rearwardly and pivotally connected at their rear ends with the front ends of said horizontal lower members, horizontal and longitudinally extending spring members connecting the upper ends of said vertical members with said frame head, a tubular member secured to the mid-portions of said spring members and extending downwardly and towards said pivotal connections, a rod extending upwardly from said pivotal connections and into the lower 1 end of said tubular member with a sliding fit, a

front forkhaving an. upper fork member extending vertically through said head for turning movement therein, front and rear wheels pivotally connected respectively with said front fork and said rear main-frame portion, a seat supported by said spring members, a steering handle secured to the upper member of said front fork, and adjusting devices connecting the rear ends of said spring members with the upper ends of said vertical members.

4. A main frame for a vehicle of the class described, including a head, a wheel shaft, first laterally spaced lower frame members rigidly secured to said head and extending therefrom to said shaft, said first frame 'members each including front and rear portions connected at their adjacent ends, second laterally spaced and vertically extending frame members rigidly secured to the rear ends of the rear portions of said first frame members and extending upwardly from said shaft, third laterally spaced upper frame members extending horizontally from said head to the upper ends of said second frame members and comprising fiat and laterally spaced metal springs imparting vertical resistance and lateral stability to the frame, and adjusting means for said third frame members including screws extending in the direction of said third frame members and connecting the latter with said second frame members, and devices for rigidly securing said screws in adjusted position to said second frame members.

5. A main frame for a vehicle of the class described, including a head, a wheel shaft, first laterally spaced lower frame members rigidly secured to said head and extending therefrom to said shaft, said first frame members'each including front and rear portions connected at their adjacent ends, second laterally spaced and vertically extending frame members rigidly secured to the rear ends of the rear portions of said first frame members and extending upwardly from said shaft, third laterally spaced upper frame members extending horizontally from said head to the upper ends of said second frame members and comprising flat and laterally spaced metal springs imparting vertical resilience and lateral stability to the frame, and pivotal connections between the ends of said third frame members and said head and said second frame members respectively, the front and rear portions of said first frame members being pivotally connected with each other on horizontal axes.

6. A main frame for a vehicle of the class described, including a head, a wheel shaft, first laterally spaced lower frame members rigidly secured to said head and extending therefrom to said shaft, said first frame members each including front and rear portions connected at their adjacent ends, second laterally spaced and vertically extending frame members rigidly secured to the rear ends of the rear portions of said first frame membersand extending upwardly from said shaft, third laterally spaced upper frame members extending horizontally from said head to the upper ends of said second frame members and comprising flat and laterally spaced metal springs imparting vertical resilience and lateral stability to" the frame, pivotal connections between the ends of said third frame members and tions and tele from the mid-portlons of said third frame members, and a rod extending upwardly from the pivotal connections of said first frame member porscopingwith a sliding fit in said tubular member. l

'7. A main frame for avehicleofth e class described, including ahead, a wheelshaft, first laterallyspacedlowerframe members rigidly secured to said head and extendingtherefrom to said shaft, said first frame members each including front and rear portions connected at their adjacent ends, second laterallyspaced and vertically extending frame members rigidly secured to the rear endsof thercar portions of said first frame members andflexteriding; upwardly from i said shaft, third: laterally spaced upper frame members extendingr horizontally from said head,

tolthe upper ends of said second framemembers 1 stantially to the spacing of said frame members from each other respectivelyfand be'ingof sheetmetalof athickness sufficient to impart lateral stability to said frame. 1

8. A main framejfor fa vehicle? of th eclass described, including ahead, as wheel shaft, first lat- H j erallyspaced lower frame members rigidly secured 35 to said head and extending therefrom to, said i centends, second laterally spaced and vertically, r j w extending frame members rigidly secured to the shaft, said first frame members each including front and rearportions connected at their adjarear ends oftherear portions of said first" frame members and extending upwardly from said shaft,

third laterally spaced'upper framemembers extending horizontally from, said head to the upper ends of said second frame members and comprising fiat and laterally spacedmetal springs imparting vertical resilience and lateral stability to the frame, and aniengine supporting frame in cluding fourthlaterally spaced members pivotally tionsof saidthirddrame members.

connected at their rear ends withsaid shaft and b'supportedat their front endsfrom t I e mid-pore 9. A main frame fora vehicle of theclass desupported at their front supporting br'acketcarriedby said engine sup} porting frame.

, first frame members being pivotally connected to said head and extendingtherefrom to said shaft, said first frame members each including erally spacedlower frame members rigidly secured front and rear portions connected at their adjacent ends, second laterally spaced and vertically extending frame members rigidly-secured to the rear ends'of therear portions of said first frame members and extending upwardly from said shaft,

third laterally spaced upper frame members ex tending horizontally fromsaid head to the upper ends of said second frame members and comprising flat and laterally spaced metal springs imparting vertical resilience and lateral stability to the frame, an engine supporting frame includ- 7 ing fourth laterally spaced members pivotally connected attheir rear ends with said shaft and ends from the mid-13011 tions of said third frame members, and a tank scribed, including a head, a wheel shaft, first laterallyspaced lowerframe members rigidly S54 cured to saidhead and extendingtherefromlto said shaft, said first frame members each inclu'l- 2 ing front and rear portions connected atftheir adjacent ends, secondlaterally spaced and vertically extending frame members rigidly I secured to the rear ends of therear portionsofsaid first frame members and extending upwardly from said shaft, third laterally spaced, upper frame mem bers extendinghorizontally from. said head to the upper ends of said second 'framemembers and, comprising flat and laterally spaced metal springs-imparting vertical resilience and lateral said head and said second frame members re spectively, the front and rear portions of said connections of said first frame member portions,

and telescoping witha sliding fit in said tubular as stability'to the frame, pivotal connections be tween the ends of saidthird framemernbers and 1 member, angengine supportingfram'e pivotally connected atits rear end with said shaft, and a link pivotally connecting said tubular member with the frontportion of said engine supporting frameand thereby supporting the latter from said 50 1 third frame members. l l

, scribed, including a Iheadgawheel shaft, firstlat j TRENORPFJUDD.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION item; No 2,187 ,258

January 16, 1914.0.

TRENOR P. JUDD,

it is hereby certified that er ror appears in the printed specification the above numbered p atent requiring correction as follows:

Page h secclaim L 'for the word "re sistan ce" read -resilience--; and that the said Letters Patent shouldbe read with this correction therecord of the case in the Patent Office, Signed and sealed this 27th day of August, Aa D. 1914.0a

m1 column, line 25,

in that the same may conform to the re Henry Van Ar sdale Acting commissioner of Patents. 

